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Tasty Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Portokalopita isn't your regular cake. This Greek treat uses torn phyllo sheets instead of regular flour, mixed with lots of orange juice and zest for that sunny flavor. The best part? Pouring chilled orange syrup over the just-baked cake makes it super juicy inside while keeping the edges slightly crunchy. You'll need about half an hour to get everything ready and 40 minutes of baking time, plus cooling. Don't stress about making it perfect - this recipe is pretty easy-going. You can eat it straight away, but it tastes even better the next day. Try adding a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for something extra special.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:43:30 GMT
Mouthwatering Greek orange cake, Portokalopita, with flaky phyllo layers soaked in citrus syrup. Pin it
Mouthwatering Greek orange cake, Portokalopita, with flaky phyllo layers soaked in citrus syrup. | pinchofyummy.com

This juicy Mediterranean orange phyllo cake, Portokalopita, takes basic items and turns them into a magical sweet treat that brings all the sunshine flavors of Greece. This old-world delight mixes torn sheets of crispy phyllo with bright orange peel and a dreamy citrus bath, making a cake with a one-of-a-kind feel that's both decadent and light.

When I served this at my backyard party last summer, it was gone in seconds flat. The way those phyllo layers drink up all that fragrant syrup while still keeping their shape made me remember exactly why Greek desserts grabbed my heart from the start.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Phyllo Sheets: Grab new, sealed packs for best results. When thawed, the sheets should bend easily without breaking.
  • Greek Yogurt: Don't skip the full-fat, strained version - it helps glue everything together and keeps your cake super moist.
  • Fresh Oranges: Look for ones that feel heavy and have bright skin without marks to get the most flavorful zest and juice.
  • Vegetable Oil: This lets the orange flavor stand out while making sure your cake stays tender.
  • Cinnamon Stick: Pick whole sticks that smell sweet and woody to give your syrup that cozy background note.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Whipping Up The Sweet Syrup
Mix water and sugar in a sturdy pot over medium flame. Stir until sugar melts completely. Toss in orange peels and cinnamon stick, letting it bubble gently. Turn down to a low simmer for 5 minutes, then add fresh squeezed orange juice. Let it cool all the way before using.
Step 2: Getting The Phyllo Ready
Open your phyllo package and cut the sheets into skinny strips about finger-width. Arrange them in loose piles and let them air dry for the best texture.
Step 3: Mixing The Wet Stuff
In a big bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Add the baking powder and sugar, whisking till it's smooth. Gently mix in your dried phyllo bits a little at a time so they all get coated evenly.
Step 4: Oven Time
Dump the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth it out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until you see a golden top and it feels set. Pour your cooled syrup over the cake while it's still hot from the oven so it soaks up all the goodness.
Soft and aromatic Portokalopita, a Greek orange dessert drenched in sweet citrus bath. Pin it
Soft and aromatic Portokalopita, a Greek orange dessert drenched in sweet citrus bath. | pinchofyummy.com

I've learned that real quality Greek yogurt makes all the difference in this dessert. My grandma wouldn't use anything but her homemade strained yogurt, and now I get why - it adds a richness that you just can't get from the regular stuff at the grocery store.

Tasty Serving Ideas

  • With Whipped Cream: Try some softly whipped cream that's got a touch of orange blossom water mixed in.
  • With Nuts: Throw some crushed pistachios on top for pretty green color and extra crunch.
  • With Wine: Enjoy alongside a tiny glass of cold Muscat dessert wine to bring out those citrus flavors.
Mouthwatering Greek orange dessert crafted with phyllo layers and bursting with zesty citrus flavor. Pin it
Mouthwatering Greek orange dessert crafted with phyllo layers and bursting with zesty citrus flavor. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this orange cake a day before serving?
Absolutely, it actually gets tastier overnight. The flavors blend together more and cutting it becomes much easier too.
→ Why pour cold syrup on hot cake?
This trick helps the cake soak up all that yummy syrup properly, making sure every bite is moist and flavorful.
→ Is fresh orange juice really necessary?
Fresh juice definitely gives you the best taste and smell. Don't skip the orange zest either - it's what makes this cake so special.
→ What's the best way to keep Portokalopita fresh?
Just cover it and leave it out at room temperature for up to 3 days, or pop it in the fridge for a week. Let it warm up before you eat it.
→ Can I freeze leftover cake?
You can freeze it for up to 3 months if you wrap it well. Just let it thaw in your fridge overnight before you want to eat it.

Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

This delightful orange cake from Greece layers crunchy phyllo pastry with juicy oranges and sticky syrup, creating a unique texture you won't find in other desserts.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Syrup Base

01 2 cups white granular sugar for best results
02 2 cups regular tap water
03 ⅓ cup juice squeezed from roughly 2 fresh oranges
04 One cinnamon stick, whole
05 Outer skin from 3 oranges

→ Cake Mix

06 1 pound phyllo sheets (thawed from frozen section)
07 1 cup Greek yogurt (full or reduced fat both work)
08 1 cup white sugar
09 1 cup sunflower oil
10 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed (about 3-4 fruits)
11 2 tablespoons baking powder
12 1 teaspoon vanilla for flavor
13 Grated peel from 1-3 oranges based on how strong you want the citrus taste
14 Small amount of salt, just a pinch

Instructions

Step 01

Combine everything for the syrup in a pot - sugar, water, juice from oranges, stick of cinnamon, and peels. Heat till it bubbles, then pull it off the stove. Let it sit and cool on its own without mixing.

Step 02

Spread phyllo sheets on the counter and cut them in half for easier handling. You can either rip them into small chunks by hand or bundle 4-5 sheets together, roll them up and cut into thin ½ inch strips. Leave them on the counter to dry, fluffing them occasionally for even drying.

Step 03

Heat your oven to 340°F. In a bowl, mix yogurt and orange juice until smooth. Add your oil, sugar, vanilla, orange peel, baking powder and salt. Stir everything until well combined. Slowly add the dried phyllo pieces, folding them in gently. Don't stress about making it perfect!

Step 04

Empty your mixture into a greased 9x13 dish and stick it in the top part of your oven. Let it cook for about 40-45 minutes. It's done when you can put a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean.

Step 05

The key step happens now! While the cake's still hot, slowly pour the cooled syrup over it using a ladle. Go spoonful by spoonful, waiting for each bit to soak in before adding more. This is what makes this dish so special!

Step 06

Let your cake sit for at least half an hour before cutting into it - though it tastes way better if you can wait till the next day. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some Greek yogurt on top for an amazing finish!

Notes

  1. Portokalopita turns ordinary phyllo sheets into an extraordinary citrusy dessert through a magical blend of orange flavors and sweet syrup
  2. Phyllo (also written as 'filo' or 'fillo') can be found in the cold section of specialty food stores or larger supermarkets

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish sized 9x13 inch (25x32cm)
  • Big bowl for mixing
  • Whisk for blending
  • Pot for making syrup
  • Big spoon or ladle

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has wheat in the phyllo dough
  • Contains milk products from the Greek yogurt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~